The 9th district congressional seat will remain Republican. Former state Sen. Robert Pittenger defeated Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts 52 to 46 percent. Pittenger will replace Republican Sue Myrick, who is retiring after 18 years in office.
In his victory speech at the Marriott SouthPark, Pittenger spoke of freedoms under attack, “especially the free enterprise system.”
And he pledged that he will work to that system. from the government.
“The greatest anecdote to poverty is the free enterprise system, not the government.”
Pittenger had two big advantages over Roberts: Personal wealth and demographics. The 9th is historically a conservative district, and Pittenger spent more than $2 million of his own money on the race.
Still, Roberts said she’s glad she ran.
“I had people on both sides of the aisle encouraging me to run. I think it was a great decision, I think it was great campaign, and I’m just humbled to be at the center of it all.”
Roberts raised about $500,000. Pittenger raised more than $600,000 in addition to the $2.3 million he contributed to his campaign.
